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Cardiac Ultrasound Technology, AAS Degree
Cardiovascular Technologists perform various diagnostic procedures so that a diagnosis may be established concerning that patient’s cardiovascular system. The Cardiovascular Technologist reviews and records pertinent patient history and supporting data through the use of special equipment to direct nonionizing, high frequency sound waves into areas of the patient’s body. Cardiovascular Technologists operate the equipment, which collects reflected echoes and forms an image that can be videotaped, transmitted, or photographed for interpretation and diagnosis by a physician. Cardiac sonographers perform their noninvasive study primarily on the heart, looking at its walls, chambers, valves, vessels and functions.
Clinical Affiliation: The student will be placed in a clinical affiliation for 7 months in medical centers throughout the United States. If a student does not complete specialty Cardiovascular classes in three consecutive semesters, faculty and administration will determine whether courses must be repeated before enrolling in clinical. Clinical placement is determined only after the student has been observed safely and consistently performing all required procedures in specified time frames.
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Semester |
Course Title |
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Program Prerequisite
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College Algebra |
3 |
This is a first year, one semester College Algebra course. It begins with a review of the fundamental concepts of the real number system, polynomials, factoring, rational expressions and complex numbers. It continues with linear equations and inequalities, graphs of functions, polynomial and rational functions, exponential functions and logarithmic functions. Systems of equations, matrices and determinants, and probability will be covered as time allows. Throughout the course there is extensive use of the graphing calculator. Prerequisite: Placement Assessment |
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Summer/First Semester
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Chemistry Survey |
4 |
Students who have had some chemistry and those who have had no chemistry background will acquire a basic understanding of the makeup of matter and the changes that it undergoes. Going from simple elements to complex compounds, this course will be concentrating on some observational facts and theoretical concepts involving problem solving, scientific reasoning, thinking and "wondering why". |
| CHEM 106L |
Chemistry Survey Lab |
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Computer Essentials |
2 |
Designed to enable students with little or no computer experience to acquire a basic understanding of the personal computer. This course involves the study of computer basics such as hardware, operating systems, and file management, using the Internet for research, word processing, and spreadsheets. |
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Intro to Cardiovascular Ultrasound |
1 |
An introduction into the field of cardiovascular ultrasound will look at the history of ultrasound and the role a sonographer plays in the diagnosis of cardiovascular problems. A basic knowledge of cardiovascular anatomy, terminology, ultrasound principles, and ethics will be covered. |
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Composition |
3 |
English Composition will help develop proficiency in writing concise, coherent essays, and in using correct English. Several modes of discourse will be explored and good grammar skills are required. This course will improve the student's critical thinking skills as it provides students with practice in all stages of the writing process: planning, supporting, rewriting, analyzing, proofreading, and editing. This course will also require critical reading and writing. Prerequisite: Placement Assessment |
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HC 119
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Anatomy/Physiology |
5 |
| HC 119L |
Anatomy/Physiology Lab |
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| HC 117 |
Medical Terminology |
1 |
| *PHYS 100 |
Applied Physics |
3 |
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Patient Care Techniques I |
3 |
Designed to assist students in developing the necessary skills to directly deal with patients. Skills acquired will help protect themselves, as well as the patient, and includes infection control, body mechanics, vital signs, CPR/First Aid, dealing with tubes and equipment, safety and security as well as other topics. |
| HC121L |
Patient Care Techniques I Lab |
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Second Semester
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CV 125
CV 125 |
EKG Analysis and Interpretation I (8 weeks) |
2 |
An introduction to the role of the Cardiovascular Technologist includes an introductory study of cardiovascular terminology as it relates to general anatomy and physiology. Students will be introduced and trained to perform electrophysiology of the heart procedures and basic principles of EKG interpretation and tracings and the concepts essential in the recognition of cardiac arrhythmias, as well as become familiar with EKG, stress testing and Holter monitoring equipment. Prerequisite: Health Core |
| CV 135 |
EKG Analysis and Interpretation II (8 weeks) |
2 |
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Ultrasound Physics |
3 |
Students will be introduced to the principles of ultrasound physics and instrumentation. Emphasis will be placed on parameters of sound waves, interaction of sound and media, transducers, artifacts, safety, and quality assurance. Students will also become familiar with metric units, sound beams, types of resolution, display modes and scan converters. Prerequisite: PHYS 100 |
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Cardiac Ultrasound I |
5 |
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Provides an overview of the principles of echocardiography. Students will be introduced to basic anatomy and physiology of the heart, normal tomographic tranthoracic and transesophageal views, hemodynamics and Doppler analysis. Prerequisite: Completion of Health Core |
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Cardiac Ultrasound I Lab |
1 |
Basic skills required for the adult echocardiographic exam will be exercised in a lab setting. Students will operate cardiac ultrasound equipment. Image optimization and scanning tecniques will be discussed. Prerequisite: Completion of Health Corequisite CVN 134 |
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Health Care/Human Relations |
3 |
Discussions and activities will center around the topic of respect. This course introduces students to health care issues and assists them in developing personal and employability success skills. Topics include, but are not limited to: accountability, professionalism, communication, confidentiality, patient rights, cultural bias and discrimination, effective interpersonal skills, dealing with difficult patients of all ages, and death and dying issues. |
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Basic Pharmacology |
2 |
Observing, testing, treating and administering to the countless requirements and demands that constitute effective and responsible patient care; this course introduces pharmaceuticals according to their therapeutic applications and pertinent physiology, and related diseases. Emphasis is placed on pharmaceutical classification concentrating on the mechanism of action, main therapeutic effects, and the adverse reactions produced. Prerequisite: HC 111 |
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Summer
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Cardiac Principles and Hemodynamics |
2 |
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CVN 123L
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Cardiac Principles and Hemodynamics Lab |
1 |
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General Psychology |
3 |
Provides the student with an introduction to the basic psychological processes underlying human behavior. Topics include the functions of the brain amd nervous system, the characteristics of sensation, perception and altered states of consciousness, learning and memory, the nature of thinking skills and intelligence, theories of motivation, emotion and personality, a survey of psychological disorders and approaches to therapy, social/interpersonal relations, and practical applications. |
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Fundamentals of Speech |
3 |
Based on the study of communication theory as applied to public speaking. The goals are to improve the student's public speaking and listening skills. Experiences in the class range from developing speech outlines, researching topics, and practicing delivery techniques for an informative, persuasive, interviewing techniques and panel discussion assignment. |
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Third Semester
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Cardiovascular Physiology |
3 |
Provides the core of information and concepts necessary to develop a firm understanding of how the cardiovascular system operates. Emphasis is placed on cardiac structure, cardiac electrical activity, cardiac pumping action and the clinical indices of ventricular function. Students will be introduced to coronary blood flow, fetal circulation, and pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease states. Prerequisites: CV 122, CVP 124 , CVN 124 or CVI 210 |
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Cardiac Pathologies |
3 |
An introduction to pathological, clinical and investigative aspects of heart disease. Students will be introduced to the following topics; heart sounds, diagnostic imaging and invasive procedures, electrocardiogram, atherosclerosis, ischemic heart disease, acute MI, valvular heart disease, heart failure, cardiomyopathies, hypertension, pericardial disease, peripheral vascular disease, congenital heart disease, and cardiovascular drugs. Prerequisites: CV 122, CVP 124, CVN 124 or CVI 210 |
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Applied Cardiac Ultrasound Physics |
1 |
Focuses on the preparation for the cardiovascular ultrasound physics national certification examination. Activities are designed to review cardiovascular hemodynamics, embryology, fetal circulation, congenital abnormalities, EKG and ancillary cardiac diagnostic studies. Prerequisites: CV 123, CVN 124 |
| CVN 212 |
Cardiac Ultrasound II |
6 |
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Cardiac Ultrasound II Lab |
2 |
Students will perform advanced adult echocardiography exam techniques on cardiac ultrasound equipment. The focus of this lab is to prepare students for clinical rotation. Emphasis is placed on execution of thorough, pathology-suitable and time-appropriate adult echo exams. Prerequisites: CVN 124, CVN 123 |
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Social Science Elective |
3 |
Social Science Electives Include: ECON 201T - Economics; SOC 150T - Social Problems; or SOC 250T - Marriage and the Family |
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Fourth Semester
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Cardiac Ultra Clinical I |
14 |
A full time internship completed at an affiliated local or out- of-town hospital or clinic. Students will broaden and perfect their echocardiographic skills through active hands-on participation in an echocardiography laboratory. Emphasis of this course is placed on the clinical skills necessary to perform a complete adult echocardiogram. Students may be exposed to transesophageal echocardiography, stress echocardiography, and/or pediatric echocardiography. Written reports, case studies, review of current professional literature, and attendance of conferences are required. Prerequisites: CVN 212, CVN 125, CV 131, CV 202 and Permission of Program Chair |
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Cardiac Registry Review |
2 |
This course is conducted on the STI campus during the week of spring graduation. Students will participate in review of program course content, clinical findings and expectations, and registry preparation testing and activities. Students will present current clinical case studies and share clinical experience summaries. Student clinical portfolio review and analysis will also be conducted. Coreq CVP 233 |
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Summer
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Cardiac Ultrasound Clinical II |
12 |
A full time clinical internship completed at an affiliated local or out-of-town hospital or clinic. Emphasis of course is building echocardiography lab skills to a level where the student can work with a degree of independance. Students will be responsible for submitting an echo-cardiography portfolio and current professional literature review. Technical and professional evaluations will be completed. Prerequisites: CVN 233 and Permission of Program Chair |
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